Image courtesy of Janus Films.
If you want to see the most beautiful animation of the year, you need look no further than “Flow.”
Directed by Latvian animator Gints Zilbalodis, the film follows a cat whose home is devastated by a flood, forcing him and several other animals to be in the same boat (literally), fighting to survive as the waters keep rising and rising. No humans are seen, and there are hints that this is not the first time a flood has washed through, but the absence of dialogue leaves a lot of questions unanswered.
This is absolutely to the film’s benefit—not only is it refreshing to see animals being animals, but the story has a kind of mysterious, otherworldly quality, or at least charmingly post-apocalyptic. Also adding to that just-off feel is the diverse roster of animals represented throughout the story: a cat, a dog, a lemur, a capybara, a large white bird, and a whale that does not look like any whale you would find on Earth.
Zilbalodis does weave anthropomorphism into the story. While each animal has its little physical quirks that are typical of their species, they don’t exhibit the same behavior that typical animals would. They are very quick to cooperate with their strange new boatmates, for one thing. While this may bother some viewers, it does lend to a more allegorical feel to the film, as we see ourselves in the way they interact with one another.
The animation itself is a bit of a peculiarity. The landscapes have striking detail and gorgeous precision, but the characters themselves have a pixelated, almost splotchy concept design. They are still very expressive, and after a few minutes, it feels more natural as you get more involved in the world, but the animals still look much simpler than the world around them, leaving me to wonder if there’s more meaning behind that decision.
Regardless, there is so much in this film to love, and you will find yourself stressing over the wellbeing of these lovable creatures. Because boy, does their wellbeing get called into question frequently. Zilbalodis has really knocked this one out of the park. Definitely make sure to see “Flow” at Midtown Cinema this December.
Midtown Cinema is located at 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com.
December Events At Midtown Cinema
Late Night Frights
“Krampus” (2015)
Friday, Dec. 6 at 9:30 p.m.
“One Cut of the Dead” (2017)
Saturday, Dec. 14 at 9:30 p.m.
“Eyes Without a Face” (1960)
Friday, Dec. 27 at 9:30 p.m.
Saturday Morning Cartoon Series
“A Christmas Carol” (2009)
Saturday, Dec. 7 at 11 a.m.
Down in Front!
Comedy improv riffing
“Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” (1964)
Friday, Dec. 20 at 9:30 p.m.
Holiday Movie Series
“Love Actually” (2003)
Sunday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
Saturday, Dec. 21 at 12 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m.
“Elf” (2003)
Sunday, Dec. 22 at 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 7 p.m.
If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
